How to tell if your cat is playing or angry

Usually a happy cat uses their claws to get attention, grab things, or hold on. If you have a cat on your lap and they suddenly dig in their claws, it usually means they are feeling like they are falling and they don’t want to leave the lap.  When a cat grabs at something with their claws extended just enough to ‘catch’ the item, they are usually playing or trying to get your attention.  Of course, there is always the frightened cat, if you are holding a cat and they dig their claws in, it generally means they are frightened and/or don’t want you to put them down. 

Kneading--or big paws--or bent paws--or whatever you might call it when a cat pushes down on something with their claws out (if they have them) and their toes spread and then curl their paw away from the item (they are usually purring when they do this).  This movement is the same movement they use to make their mother’s milk flow when they are tiny babies.  It is a sign of comfort and contentment.  So when those giant claws stick in your arm or leg and the cat is purring, remembering they are not trying to hurt you, they are telling you they love you (or they might knead the soft blanket on your lap, or the soft pillow--you get the idea). 

When a cat is really truly angry, they will dig their claws in very deep and leave gouges that will bleed and sometimes might be bad enough to need stitches (and their ears will be back and they usually will be growling).  They might try to warn you first with growls and a quick scratch and/or nip, but if you don't listen, watch out.  But, if a cat scratches enough to cause you to bleed, BEFORE you get angry, look to see how deep the scratch is, if it’s not that deep, then the cat was playing or trying to get your attention (or sending a warning).  So for the question above, what is the right answer?  Well, it actually could be all of the above depending on what you are doing and where you are standing. 

With ears up and whiskers forward, this guy is curious about something, so his claws just mean he wants to hold on.

Nips--these are little bites that don’t really break the skin and don’t really hurt (they mostly pinch).  Cats nip for many different reasons.  They might nip because they really like the petting you are giving them and they are nipping their love to you.  So when that kitty has been purring and kneading on you and suddenly nips, don’t scold them, they are trying to say they love you.

Another reason for nipping might be the cat’s way of warning you about something.  A cat will nip without really hurting to warn that they don’t like the things you are doing.  When a cats nips to warn, they are generally not purring, not rubbing, and not kneading on anything.  Often, they have their ears back, which is a sign they are getting angry.  A cat will nip at someone they don’t trust or another cat they don't want around. 

Bite--a cat will truly bite hard enough to break the skin with one or more teeth and cause bleeding when they are frightened, in pain, or fighting.  When a cat does at least two of the following things, they are biting for real:  ears back, growling, claws extended, tail puffed and fur on back raised, eyes big and dark.  That is why you often see fur fly when cats are really fighting with other cats.  They are biting hard, clawing hard, and digging in with everything they have.  Often they will get the cat down and then use their back claws as well as their front claws.  Cats can hurt other cats badly during a major cat fight.  The only way to break up a cat fight is with cold water shot at both of the cats.  In the house, you can use a spray bottle with water in it and outside you can use the hose.  (If you only spray one cat, the other will take advantage of their surprise and can hurt them seriously so be sure to spray them both at the same time.) 

Now, what is the answer to the poll above?  Well, if the cat bites without breaking the skin--it's usually a love bite--or they might be trying to play with you.  If they have their ears back when they do it, they are warning you.

 In this first one, he looks pretty angry, but his ears are not back so I think he's just practicing his evil glare.  In the second one, they seem to be really fighting mad, however if you look closely at the paws of the gray one, you can see there are no claws extended.

Once you know why the cat is doing what they are doing, you can easily know when they are playing and when they are not.  Playing cats can injure you without meaning to do so, and when they do, you shouldn’t punish them because that will make them afraid to play with you again.  Try to understand that they didn’t mean it.  When they are playing with you, try not to get too rough because the rougher you get, the rougher the cat will get.  They love to rough-house.

I don't think I need to answer the above question; however, the answer is Well, maybe, I'll have to think about it--No, I'm just kidding, it is YES, wouldn't you?